Magnetization Apparatus for Magnet of Magnetic Encoder and Method Thereof

ABSTRACT

A magnetization apparatus for a magnet of a magnetic encoder. The magnetization apparatus is configured to alternately form a positive and a negative magnetization areas by moving a magnetic member along a route penetrating a gap of a magnetization yoke while alternately generating positive and negative magnetic fields in the gap of the magnetization yoke. The magnetization apparatus includes a power supply part configured to supply electric power to a coil wound around the magnetization yoke; an area setting part configured to receive magnetization pattern information specifying arrangement of the magnetization areas relative to the magnetic member; a positional information generation part configured to output positional information of the magnetic member moving along the route; and a control part configured to control the power supply part in such a manner that each portion of the magnetic member corresponding to the magnetization area specified in the magnetization pattern information receives corresponding positive or negative magnetic field based on the positional information outputted from the positional information generation part.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a magnetization apparatus for a magnetof a magnetic encoder and to a method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

A magnetization method using a multi-pole magnetization yoke has beenwell-known as a method for magnetizing a multi-pole magnet of a magneticrotary encoder.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a conventional multi-pole magnetizationyoke. A multi-pole magnetization yoke 110 magnetizes eight poles (N andS poles) on the circumferential face of an annular magnetic member 2.Eight magnetization projections 110 a are circumferentially provided ona base part 110 b. A coil for generating a magnetic field from eachmagnetization projection 110 a is wound around the multi-polemagnetization yoke 110 (not shown in the figure). Electric current issupplied to the coil after positioning the magnetic member 2 relative tothe multi-pole magnetization yoke 110, thereby the magnetic member 2 issimultaneously magnetized into eight poles.

In another magnetization method, the following Patent Literatures 1 and2 disclose a rotary magnetization method in which the positive and thenegative magnetic fields is alternately generated from a magnetizationyoke for locally magnetizing an annular magnetic member, the magneticmember is rotationally moved relative to the magnetization yoke, and theN-poles and the S-poles are alternately formed on the magnetic member.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature [PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 4018313 [PTL2] JP-A-2002-164213 SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The above-mentioned magnetization method using the multi-polemagnetization yoke is suitable for mass production. Correspondingrelation of arrangement of the magnetization projections of themulti-pole magnetization yoke and arrangement of the N-poles and theS-poles of the magnetized multi-pole magnet is fixed, so that amulti-pole magnetization yoke is required to be prepared for each magnetfor obtaining variety of multi-pole magnets with different arrangementof the N-poles and the S-poles.

The rotary type magnetization method disclosed in Patent Literatures 1and 2 does not propose a magnetization method for a magnetic member witha desired magnetization pattern.

The present invention has an object to magnetize the magnetic memberwith a desired magnetization pattern in the rotary magnetizationapparatus for the magnet of the magnetic encoder and the method thereof.

Solution to Problem

In a magnetization apparatus for a magnet of a magnetic encoder of oneembodiment of the present invention, the magnetization apparatus isconfigured to alternately form a positive and a negative magnetizationareas by moving a magnetic member along a route penetrating a gap of amagnetization yoke while alternately generating positive and negativemagnetic fields in the gap of the magnetization yoke. The magnetizationapparatus comprises a power supply part configured to supply electricpower to a coil wound around the magnetization yoke; an area settingpart configured to receive magnetization pattern information specifyingarrangement of the magnetization areas relative to the magnetic member;a positional information generation part configured to output positionalinformation of the magnetic member moving along the route; and a controlpart configured to control the power supply part in such a manner thateach portion of the magnetic member corresponding to the magnetizationarea specified in the magnetization pattern information receivescorresponding positive or negative magnetic field based on thepositional information outputted from the positional informationgeneration part.

The magnetization pattern information can specify arrangement of anon-magnetization area in addition to the positive and the negativemagnetization areas.

The magnetization pattern information can specify arrangement of thepositive and the negative magnetization areas, each including thenon-magnetization area, and the magnetization pattern information canspecify ratio of the non-magnetization area in each magnetization area.

In addition, the magnetization pattern information can specify thelowest value for the ratio of the non-magnetization area.

The control part can control at least one of generation time andstrength of the magnetic field in each magnetization area of whicharrangement is specified in the magnetization pattern information.

The power supply part can supply positive or negative electric currentpulse, and the control part can control the number of supply times ofthe electric current pulse per magnetization area specified in themagnetization pattern information.

The magnetic member can be annular with a predetermined length in thecircumferential direction and movement along the route can be rotationwith the central axis of the magnetic member fixed.

In a method for magnetizing a magnet of a magnetic encoder of oneembodiment of the present invention, a positive and a negativemagnetization areas are formed alternately by moving a magnetic memberalong a route penetrating a gap of a magnetization yoke whilealternately generating a positive and a negative magnetic fields in thegap of the magnetization yoke. The method comprising the steps ofreceiving in advance magnetization pattern information specifyingarrangement of the positive and negative magnetization areas relative tothe magnetic member; determining in real time position of the magneticmember moving along the route; and generating a magnetic field in thegap of the magnetization yoke in such a manner that each portion of themagnetic member corresponding to the magnetization area specified in themagnetization pattern information receives corresponding positive ornegative magnetic field based on the positional information outputtedfrom the positional information generation part.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In the embodiments of the present invention, receiving magnetizationpattern information specifying arrangement of desired magnetizationareas, the magnetic member is magnetized based on the information.Namely, the magnetization pattern for the magnetic member isprogrammable. Regular-pitch magnetization of which pitch is freelyspecified and irregular-pitch magnetization in which width of themagnetization area is freely specified are possible without modifyingthe apparatus structure by exchanging members. Therefore, one apparatusis able to be used for various magnetization patterns. When themagnetization pattern information is capable of specifying arrangementof a non-magnetization area in addition to the positive and the negativemagnetization areas, a magnet outputting a desired wave-shape as thedetection signal of the magnetic sensor is obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the magnetization apparatusshowing a basic embodiment.

FIG. 2 a is a partial sectional view of the magnetization apparatus ofFIG. 1 and FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of end faces of themagnetization yoke.

FIG. 3 a is a table showing one example of the magnetization patterninformation and FIG. 3 b is a plan view showing the magnetization areaformed on the basis of the information.

FIG. 3Aa to FIG. 3Ac show plan views of another embodiment of the magnetmagnetized by the similar procedures to FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b.

FIG. 4 a is a partial side view of the magnetic encoder, FIG. 4 b is agraph showing time change of the detection signal of the magneticsensor, and FIG. 4 c is a graph in which the detection signal of themagnetic sensor is digitalized.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of the magnetization apparatusshowing a desirable embodiment.

FIG. 6 a is a table showing another example of the magnetization patterninformation and FIG. 6 b is a plan view showing the magnetization areaformed on the basis of the information.

FIG. 7 a is a table showing another example of the magnetization patterninformation. FIG. 7 b and FIG. 7 c are plan views showing themagnetization area formed on the basis of the information, respectively.

FIG. 8 a is a partial side view of the magnetic encoder using the magnetobtained by the magnetization apparatus of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 b is a graphshowing time change of the detection signal of the magnetic sensor, andFIG. 8 c is a graph in which the detection signal of the magnetic sensoris digitalized.

FIG. 9 a is a partial side view of the magnetization apparatus in whichboth end faces of the magnetized yoke are provided on the surface sideof the magnetic member, and FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of the endfaces of the magnetization yoke of the magnetization apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the shape of a conventionalmulti-pole magnetization yoke.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of a magnetic encoder of oneembodiment of the present invention is configured to alternately formthe positive and the negative magnetization areas by moving a magneticmember with a predetermined length along a route penetrating a gap of amagnetization yoke while alternately generating magnetic fields in thepositive and the negative directions in the gap of the magnetizationyoke being fixed and held. The above-mentioned length of the magneticmember relates to the moving route of the magnetic member.

The present invention is improved in such a manner that themagnetization apparatus receives magnetization pattern informationspecifying arrangement of desired magnetization areas and magnetizes themagnetic member based on the information. In the magnetization apparatusof the embodiment of the present invention, the magnetization patternrelative to the magnetic member is programmable. A magnetizationapparatus for a magnet of a magnetic rotary encoder is explained asfollows as an example of the basic embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the magnetization apparatusshowing the above-mentioned magnetization apparatus. FIG. 2 a is apartial side view of the magnetization apparatus and FIG. 2 b is aperspective view of the end faces of the magnetization yoke of themagnetization apparatus. The scale in FIG. 2 is different from that ofFIG. 1 for easy understanding.

The magnetic member 2 to be magnetized is annular with a predeterminedcircumferential length and is formed by fixing a hard magnetic ring 2 bto a face of a flange extending outside from one end of a tubular coremember 2 a made of soft magnetic metal.

The tubular core member 2 a is made of soft magnetic metal such asSUS430 or SPCC. When the shape and so on of the magnetization yoke 11are devised, non-magnetic metal such as aluminum alloy, brass or SUS304can be used.

The magnetic ring 2 b is made of molded resin material including hardmagnetic powder such as alnico, neodymium, samarium, ferrite or is madeof sintered material of hard magnetic body. When the magnetic encoder isused for a vehicle, the magnetic ring with high Curie temperature andshock resistance is preferable. The fixing method of the tubular coremember 2 a and the magnetic ring 2 b is not limited.

The magnetization apparatus 1 has a mechanical part and a circuit partincluding a power supply part 14 and a control part 15, the mechanicalpart comprising a spindle device 10 rotationally moving the magneticmember 2 and the magnetization yoke 11 generating a magnetic field, asshown in the figure.

The spindle device 10 uses a stepping motor 10 a as a driving source,transmits the power with a power transmission mechanism, not shown inthe figure, provided in the device 10 and rotates a base 10 b. Thestepping motor 10 a incorporates an encoder outputting pulse showing thespeed and pulse of origin, not shown in the figure. The base 10 b isprovided with a chuck 10 c for holding the magnetic member 2. The chuck10 c comprises plural movable pieces in the shape of quartered cylinderand is configured to hold or release the magnetic member 2 from insideby moving the movable pieces in the expanding or contracting diametricaldirection. The driving source is not limited to the stepping motor 10 aand any driving source can be used as long as the rotary speed isaccurately controlled and measured.

The magnetization yoke 11 is formed like the letter “C” including a gapS and is made of soft magnetic metal such as iron, permalloy, permenduror SS400. The magnetization yoke can be molded by compressing softmagnetic powder such as sendust.

The shape and the dimension of the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11are appropriately determined corresponding to the sectional shape of themagnetic member 2. Basically, any shape and dimension can be applied tothe gap S as long as each portion of the magnetic member 2 penetratesand passes through the gap S in a non-contact condition.

The opposite side of the magnetization yoke 11 to the gap S is coupledwith the positioning means 12 so as to position the magnetization yoke11 relative to the magnetic member 2 held with the spindle device 10.The mechanism and the structure of the positioning means 12 are notlimited. Position of the magnetization yoke 11 is preferably positionedin the diametrical direction of the magnetic member 2 by at leastone-axis degree-of-freedom. Preferably, the magnetization yoke 11 ispositioned in any direction by two-axis or three-axis degree-of-freedom.The magnetization yoke 11 is able to magnetize magnetic members ofdifferent sizes when being designed to be capable of freely positioning.

A coil 13 made of a copper wire is wound around the magnetization yoke11 except for the gap S and the connection to the positioning means 12.The number of winding and the number of coils 13 are not limited.

The shapes of an end face 11 a and an end face 11 b of the magnetizationyoke 11 can be modified on request as shown in FIG. 2 b. The end face 11a facing the magnetic member 2 can be formed rectangular in which theside along the moving direction of the magnetic member 2 is short; theend face 11 b can be formed square in which four sides of the end face11 b are shorter than the longer side of the end face 11 a and longerthan the shorter side of the end face 11 a. The end face 11 a facing themagnetic member 2 can be formed such that the side along the movement ofthe magnetic member 2 is short; the end face 11 b can be rectangularwith sides longer than the longer side of the end face 11 a.

The power supply part 14 supplies electric power to the coil 13 woundaround the magnetization yoke 11. The power supply part 14 is configuredto selectively supply at least positive or negative electric current inorder to generate a positive or negative magnetic field in the gap S ofthe magnetization yoke 11.

The power supply part 14 requires supplying large amount of electriccurrent to the coil 13. The power supply part 14 constituted with a DCpower source requires much cost, so that a condenser-type power sourceis usually used.

In the condenser-type power source in the figure, a condenser 14 c ischarged from a power supply circuit 14 b while interrupting connectionwith the coil 13 by a selection switch 14 a. The condenser 14 c isblocked off from the power supply circuit 14 b by a charge switch 14 dwhen the condenser 14 c is fully charged. Then a large amount ofelectric current (current pulse) is discharged at once from thecondenser 14 c to the coil 13 by switching the selection switch 14 a.The power supply part 14 has two power sources of plus and minus andselectively supplies positive or negative current pulse. The number ofcurrent pulse supplied per unit time has the upper limit because thecondenser 14 c needs charge time.

The control part 15 comprises a main control part 15 a controlling thepower supply part 14 and a motor control part 15 b controlling thedriving source of the spindle device 10.

The main control part 15 a has an area setting part 15 c receivingmagnetization pattern information specifying arrangement of desiredmagnetization areas relative to the magnetic member 2 and has apositional information generation part 15 d determining and outputtingpositional information of the magnetic member 2 moving on the route at aconstant speed. The main control part 15 a controls the power supplypart 14 based on the positional information outputted from thepositional information generation part 15 d as a basic operation in sucha manner that each portion of the magnetic member 2 corresponding to themagnetization area of which arrangement is specified in themagnetization pattern information receives the positive or negativemagnetic field. Namely, the main control part 15 a compares thepositional information with the magnetization pattern information andcontrols the corresponding power supply part 14 so as to generate thepositive or the negative magnetic field based on the magnetization areacorresponding to the positional information.

The magnetization pattern information is for specifying themagnetization area in the positive or the forward direction, namelyarrangement of the N-pole and the S-pole when the magnetic member 2 isseen from the front side (it can be seen from the back side). Themagnetic member 2 is a magnet of the magnetic encoder, so that theN-poles and the S-poles are alternately arranged on the surface of themagnetic member 2. The embodiment of the present invention allowsarrangement of the N-poles and the S-poles at an irregular pitch inaddition to that at an equal pitch. The format of the magnetizationpattern information is not limited; however, enough information isrequired to specify the type, the start point and the end point of themagnetization area.

The structure of the area setting part 15 c is not limited as long asthe area setting part 15 c has a function of receiving the magnetizationpattern information via any medium. For example, the magnetizationpattern information produced by an information terminal such as a workstation can be received via a serial cable. Or the magnetization patterninformation can be received from a remote location when the area settingpart 15 c is constituted as a network communication device. Or themagnetization pattern information stored in a CD disk, a memory card, ora USB memory can be read out when the area setting part 15 c isconstituted as a memory medium reading device.

The area setting part 15 c registers the received magnetization patterninformation in a memory (not shown in the figure). It is desirable thatthe area setting part 15 c is capable of registering plural pieces ofmagnetization pattern information and is capable of selecting one ofthem by a predetermined operation.

The positional information generation part 15 d has a function ofoutputting the positional information of the magnetic member 2 on theroute. Any positional information can be used as long as a portion ofthe magnetic member 2 existing in the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11at each time is specified.

In this embodiment, the positional information is generated based on thepulse of the moving speed and the pulse of the original signal of themagnetic member 2. Namely, a portion of the magnetic member 2 passingthrough the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11 is able to be calculatedin real time based on the elapse of the time after receiving theoriginal signal and on the moving speed history of the magnetic member2.

In this embodiment, the magnetic member 2 is annular and each portion ofthe magnetic member 2 is considered to be the same. Therefore, anyportion of the magnetic member 2 can be the top thereof. Time-keeping isstarted at the time of receiving the pulse of the original signal or atthe time when a predetermined time elapses after receiving the pulse ofthe original signal. The positional information can be shown by a rotaryangle from a standard position to the portion of the magnetic member 2passing through the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11, the standardposition being the portion of the magnetic member 2 when the magneticmember 2 has passed through the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11 atthe time of starting time-keeping.

The motor control part 15 b is a control circuit of the driving sourceof the spindle device 10. Two control manners of the main control part15 a are possible; namely, the main control part 15 a controls thedriving source via the motor control part 15 b or the motor control part15 b independently controls the driving source.

In the former manner above, the main control part 15 a generates controlpulse for rotating the stepping motor 10 a at a constant speed and themotor control part 15 b rotates the stepping motor 10 a step by stepeach time the control pulse is received. The positional informationgeneration part 15 d measures time by counting the control pulse andcalculates positional information based on the measured time.

In the latter manner above, the motor control part 15 b independentlycontrols the stepping motor 10 a to rotate at a constant speed andinforms the main control part 15 a each time the stepping motor 10 a isrotated at a predetermined step. The positional information generationpart 15 d measures time by counting the informing signal and calculatespositional information based on the measured time.

In basic operation of the magnetization apparatus 1, the magnetic member2 is fixed to the chuck 10 c by manpower or an automatic conveyingapparatus (not shown in the figure). Then, the main control part 15 a orthe motor control part 15 b increases the rotary speed of the magneticmember 2 upto a constant rotary speed by controlling the driving sourceof the spindle device 10.

When the magnetic member 2 reaches a constant rotary speed, the maincontrol part 15 a controls electric power supply to the coil 13 andmagnetization is executed. The main control part 15 a determines themagnetization area specified in the magnetization pattern information inwhich the portion of the magnetic member 2 passing through the gap S ofthe magnetization yoke 11 is included, based on the positionalinformation outputted from the positional information generation part 15d every unit time, thereby controlling the power supply part 14. Themagnetization process is finished after the magnetic member 2 rotates atleast once. However, the magnetization process can be finished after themagnetic member 2 rotates twice or above. The magnetic member 2 becomesa multi-pole magnet of a magnetic encoder by such a magnetizationprocess.

In a condition that the magnetic member 2 moves at a constant speed, forenabling magnetization at an irregular pitch, generation time of themagnetic field is controlled per magnetization area of which arrangementis specified in the magnetization pattern information. The larger themagnetization area of which arrangement is specified in themagnetization pattern information is, the longer the generation time ofthe magnetic field is. The smaller the magnetization area of whicharrangement is specified in the magnetization pattern information, theshorter the main control part 15 a controls the generation time of themagnetic field. For example, if the current pulse supplied by the powersupply part 14 is constant, the supply time of the current pulse variesper magnetization area of which arrangement is specified in themagnetization pattern information.

Based on the similar consideration, when the power supply part 14 is acommonly used DC power source and supplies constant current, supply timeof electric current is controlled per magnetization area of whicharrangement is specified in the magnetization pattern information.

When the power supply part 14 is able to dynamically control electriccurrent, magnitude of electric current can be controlled permagnetization area of which arrangement is specified in themagnetization pattern information. The intensity of the magnetic fieldis changed by such a control. When the intensity of the magnetic fieldis high, width of the magnetic field in the gap S of the magnetizationyoke 11 is enlarged. Therefore, the width of the area can be controlledby changing the intensity of the magnetic field.

In this embodiment, the magnetization apparatus is constituted asmentioned above and the magnetization pattern is programmable. Themagnetization is able to be executed for the magnetic members of varioussizes without modifying the apparatus structure and exchanging partsboth at a regular pitch in which pitch is freely set and at an irregularpitch in which the width of each magnetization area is freely specified.Therefore, one magnetization apparatus is able to be used for variousmagnets.

The basic example of the magnetization process of the magnetizationapparatus is explained as follows.

FIG. 3 a is a table showing one example of the magnetization patterninformation and FIG. 3 b is a plan view showing the magnetization areaformed on the basis of the information.

In the magnetization pattern information A, for specifying arrangementof the magnetization areas, the area number, the magnetization type(positive direction: N-pole, negative direction: S-pole), and the centerangle (width of the area) of each magnetization area are specified andassociated. In this embodiment, the area number and the magnetizationtype are specified in advance and a magnetization area is able to bespecified for each area number. For example, the area number 1 isspecified by the type of the N-pole and the center angle of 67.5degrees. The area number 2 is specified by the type of the S-pole andthe center angle of 22.5 degrees. The magnetization pattern is oneexample in case of the irregular pitch and the area number 1 isspecified to be wider than the other areas. The irregular pitch is notlimited as mentioned above and any number of the areas and any centerangle can be specified.

The magnet 3 magnetized by the magnetization pattern information A isformed with the area number 1 and the area number 2 in order, from theportion of the magnetic member 2, i.e. a standard point, at the gap S ofthe magnetization yoke 11 at the start of magnetization. For example,the area number 1 is magnetized to be the N-pole and the center angle is67.5 degrees and the area number 2 is magnetized to be the S-pole andthe center angle is 22.5 degrees (The area of which surface side ismagnetized to be the N-pole is called the N-pole and the area of whichsurface side is magnetized to be the S-pole is called the S-pole).

FIG. 3Aa to FIG. 3Ac show plan views of another embodiment of the magnetmagnetized by the procedures mentioned above.

In FIG. 3Aa, the magnet 3 is magnetized by alternately arranging theN-poles and the S-poles with a constant width. In FIG. 3Ab, the magnet 3is magnetized by alternately arranging the N-poles and the S-poles withan irregular width. In FIG. 3Ac, the magnet 3 is magnetized byalternately arranging wide N-poles and narrow S-poles. The arrangementsof the magnetization areas specified in the magnetization patterninformation A are different in the above figures; however, the samemagnetization process is executed for the magnet 3. Namely, in theembodiment of the present invention, when the arrangement of the desiredmagnetization areas is specified in the magnetization patterninformation A, the magnet 3 corresponding to the specified arrangementis obtained.

The principle of the magnetic encoder using the magnet magnetized asmentioned above is explained as follows.

FIG. 4 a is a partial side view of the magnetic encoder comprising themagnet magnetized at an irregular pitch and the magnetic sensor, FIG. 4b is a graph showing time change of the detection signal of the magneticsensor, and FIG. 4 c is a graph in which the detection signal of themagnetic sensor is digitalized.

The magnetic member 2, i.e. the magnet 3 in the figure, is annular asmentioned above; however, the magnet 3 is shown linearly for easyunderstanding. The magnetic sensor 4 is fixed relative to the centeraxis of the magnet 3 so as to have a predetermined distance from thesurface of the magnet 3 and the magnet 3 is freely rotated with thecenter axis fixed. In the figure, the magnet 3 moves in parallel alongthe arrow. Hall element and MR element can be used for the magneticsensor 4; however, the magnetic sensor 4 capable of detecting thevertical component of the intensity of the magnetic field (in the upwarddirection in the figure) is used in this embodiment. Namely, themagnetic sensor 4 outputs a detection signal in which the verticalcomponent of the magnetic field is a positive value and the component inthe reverse direction is a negative value.

The magnetic field generated by the magnet 3 is shown with magneticforce lines in the figure.

On the surface side of the magnet 3, the magnetic force lines upwardlypenetrating the N-poles are diverged right and left in the vicinity ofthe surface of the magnet 3, are reversed downwardly and become themagnetic force lines penetrating downwardly the S-poles on both sidesbecause the S-poles are provided close to both sides of the N-pole. Themagnetic force lines are parallel to the surface of the magnet 3 aroundthe boundary of the N-pole and the S-pole. The N-pole at the center iswide and the S-poles are provided adjacent to both sides, so that thedensity of the magnetic force lines is low above the area where themagnetic force lines are diverged right and left. On the backside of themagnet 3, the magnetic force lines pass through the tubular core member2 a made of soft magnetic metal.

When the magnet 3 with such a magnetic field moves relative to themagnetic sensor 4, the magnetic sensor 4 outputs a detection signal asshown in the graph G1 of FIG. 4 b in which the horizontal axis of thegraph G1 shows time. The horizontal position and scale of the graph G1are arranged so as to contrast with the side view of the magnetic member2 in FIG. 4 a. For example, the peak on the left end in the graph G1 isformed by the magnetic force lines downwardly penetrating themagnetization area of the S-pole directly under the magnetic sensor 4.Other peaks are formed in the same manner.

The zero-cross point of the graph G1 is where the magnetic force linesare horizontal in FIG. 4 a, namely in the vicinity of the boundary ofthe N-pole and the S-pole. In the wide N-poles at the center the densityof the magnetic force lines is low above the center, so that a dip isshown at the center of the corresponding peak to the graph G1.

In general utilization for calculating the rotary speed afterdigitalizing the detection signal of the magnetic encoder, a computer isnot able to directly process the analog signal shown in FIG. 4 b.Therefore, the analog signal is required to be digitalized in advance,binary digitalization being sufficient in general. For example, in asimple binary digitalization, the threshold on the plus side and that onthe minus side are applied to a series of analog values and the portionexceeding any threshold is determined 1 and the portion not exceedingany threshold is determined 0. The thresholds are shown with dottedlines in the figure.

FIG. 4 c is a graph showing that the detection signal shown in FIG. 4 bis digitalized in binary. The horizontal position and the scale in thegraph G2 are arranged in the same manner as that in FIG. 4 b. Thedigitalized detection signal is pulse of 1 or 0 and loses information ofplus or minus. However, the position and width of the peak in graph G1in FIG. 4 b are able to be obtained.

The magnetic member 2 in this embodiment is formed in such a manner thatthe N-pole at the center is greater in width than other N-poles and theS-poles. A computer is able to distinguish the long pulse correspondingto the wide N-pole from the short pulse corresponding to other N-polesand S-poles. When the number of the continuous short pulse is countedfrom the position of the long pulse, the rotary speed of the magnet 3and the absolute rotary angle are able to be calculated. The magnet 3 inthis embodiment is formed with one special N-pole so that the rotarydirection is not detected. If a plurality of special N-poles and S-poleswith different width from that of other poles are formed, the rotarydirection is able to be detected.

Generally, the magnetic power of a magnet deteriorates at hightemperature. For example, the magnetic power of a ferrite magnet becomesabout 94% at 50 degrees centigrade and about 84% at 100 degreescentigrade compared with the magnetic power at 20 degrees centigrade.Once the magnetic force of a neodymium magnet reduces, the magneticforce sometimes does not recover completely even when temperature of themagnet returns to be low. When the above-mentioned magnetic encoder isused for a long time at a high temperature condition, it should be takeninto consideration that the magnetic force of the magnet 3 may reduceand the following disadvantage may occur.

When the peak of the detection signal being a start position has the dipat the center as shown in the graph G2 in FIG. 4 b, all of the detectionsignal reduces as the magnetic force of the magnet 3 reduces. Therefore,the peak may be converted to two short pulses, other than one longpulse, by the binary digitalization. In such a case, the computer is notable to execute normal process.

A desirable embodiment is explained based on the drawings in order toprovide a magnet which does not cause such disadvantages.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view showing a magnetization apparatus asa desirable embodiment. The elements in common with those of FIG. 1 havethe same reference numerals and the explanation is omitted here.

In dealing with the above-mentioned problems, the magnetizationapparatus 1 receives the magnetization pattern information specifyingarrangement of a non-magnetization area and the positive and negativemagnetization areas, and magnetizes the magnetic member 2 based on theinformation. The non-magnetization area is basically specified at theboundary adjacent to the magnetization areas.

The non-magnetization area is preferably specified in the magnetizationpattern information similar to the positive and the negativemagnetization areas. The areas are specified to be arranged in the orderof the positive magnetization area, the non-magnetization area, thenegative magnetization area, and the non-magnetization area. Or themagnetization pattern information may specify arrangement of thepositive and the negative magnetization areas including thenon-magnetization area, respectively, and may specify the rate of thenon-magnetization area in each magnetization area. In such a case, thelowest limit can be set for the rate of the non-magnetization area andthe non-magnetization area can be always formed at the boundary of thepositive and the negative magnetization areas. In either case, themagnetization pattern information includes enough information forspecifying the type; the start point and the end point of eachmagnetization area; the start point and the endpoint of thenon-magnetization area.

The non-magnetization area is formed by providing a time period whichdoes not generate the magnetic field while the corresponding portion ofthe magnetic member 2 receives the positive or the negative magneticfield for forming the positive or the negative magnetization area. Thewidth of the non-magnetization area is determined depending on theperiod which does not generate the magnetic field. When thenon-magnetization area is thus formed, the magnetic member 2 isdesirably demagnetized by heating beyond Curie temperature.

The selection switch 14 a of the power supply part 14 further has anon-wired contact point 14 d so as to provide the above-mentioned periodwhich does not generate the magnetic field. The power supply part 14 isable to selectively output positive or negative current or output nocurrent by the non-wired contact point 14 d. The power supply part 14 ofa condenser-type power source is operated so as to interpose acurrentless condition when the current pulse is switched from thepositive direction to the negative direction like a comb without someteeth.

The area setting part 15 c can give an error alarm to the magnetizationpattern information of which arrangement does not specify thenon-magnetization area at the boundary of the positive and the negativemagnetization areas, and may not receive the magnetization patterninformation.

The main control part 15 a determines whether the magnetization patterninformation received in the area setting part 15 c includes thearrangement specifying the non-magnetization area. When themagnetization pattern information includes the arrangement specifyingthe non-magnetization area, the main control part 15 a controls thepower supply part 14 based on the positional information outputted fromthe positional information generation part 15 d in such a manner thateach portion of the magnetic member 2 corresponding to the magnetizationarea of which arrangement is specified in the magnetization patterninformation receives corresponding positive or negative magnetic field,respectively. The main control part 15 a controls the power supply part14 in such a manner that each portion of the magnetic member 2corresponding to the non-magnetization area does not receive themagnetic field. When the magnetization pattern information does notinclude arrangement specifying the non-magnetization area, theembodiment is similar to the above-mentioned basic embodiment.

An example of the magnetization process of the magnetization apparatus 1is explained as follows.

FIG. 6 a is a table showing another example of the magnetization patterninformation and FIG. 6 b is a plan view showing the magnetization areaformed on the magnetic member based on the information.

For specifying arrangement of the magnetization areas, the magnetizationpattern information A specifies the area number, the magnetization type(positive direction: N-pole, negative direction: S-pole,non-magnetization: Z), and the center angle of the magnetization area.For example, the area number 1 is specified by the type of the N-poleand the center angle of 60 degrees. The area number 2 is specified bythe type of the non-magnetization area and the center angle of 7.5degrees. The area number 3 is specified by the type of the S-pole andthe center angle of 20 degrees.

The magnet 3 magnetized by the above-mentioned magnetization patterninformation A is formed with the area number 1, the area number 2 andthe area number 3 in order, from the portion, i.e. a standard point, ofthe magnet 3 positioned at the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11 at thestart of magnetization. For example, the area number 1 is magnetized tobe the N-pole and the center angle is 60 degrees, the area number 2 isnot magnetized and the center angle is 7.5 degrees, and the area number3 is magnetized to be the S-pole and the center angle is 20 degrees.

Another example of the magnetization process of the magnetizationapparatus is explained as follows.

FIG. 7 a is a table showing another example of the magnetization patterninformation. FIG. 7 b and FIG. 7 c are plan views showing themagnetization area formed by the different process on the basis of theinformation, respectively.

For specifying arrangement of the magnetization areas, the magnetizationpattern information A specifies the area number, the magnetization type(positive direction: N-pole, negative direction: S-pole), the centerangle, and the magnetization rate of each magnetization area. In thisembodiment, the magnetization rate refers to the rate of the actuallymagnetized portion in the area and the rest is referred to as thenon-magnetization area. For example, the area number 1 is specified bythe type of the N-pole, the center angle of 67.5 degrees, and themagnetization rate of 90%. The area number 2 is specified by the type ofthe S-pole, the center angle of 22.5 degrees, and the magnetization rateof 90%.

The magnet 3 in FIG. 7 b, magnetized by the above-mentionedmagnetization pattern information, is formed with the area number 1, thearea number 2, and the area number 3 in order, from the portion, i.e. astandard point, of the magnet 3 positioned at the gap S of themagnetization yoke 11 at the start of magnetization. For example, thearea number 1 has the center angle of 67.5 degrees and 90% on theleading side is magnetized to be the N-pole and the rest 10% is notmagnetized. The area number 2 has the center angle of 22.5 degrees and90% on the leading side is magnetized to be the S-pole and the rest 10%is not magnetized. When the non-magnetization area is determined by therate, the ratio of the non-magnetization area relative to themagnetization area is easily determined.

The magnet 3 in FIG. 7 c, magnetized by the above-mentionedmagnetization pattern information, has different pattern ofnon-magnetization area. The area number 1 has the center angle of 67.5degrees and 90% at the middle portion is magnetized to be the N-pole and5% on the leading side and 5% on the end side are not magnetized. Thearea number 2 has the center angle of 22.5 degrees and 90% at the middleportion is magnetized to be the S-pole and 5% on the leading side and 5%on the end side are not magnetized. The areas allotted with othernumbers have the same configuration.

Configuration of the magnetization areas shown either in FIG. 7 b orFIG. 7 c can be used for the magnetization pattern shown in FIG. 7 a. Itis necessary that the non-magnetization area is formed at the boundaryof the N-poles and the S-poles.

The principle of the magnetic encoder using the magnet magnetized asmentioned above is explained as follows.

FIG. 8 a is a partial side view of the magnetic encoder comprising themagnet formed with the non-magnetization area and the magnetic sensor,FIG. 8 b is a graph showing time change of the detection signal of themagnetic sensor, and FIG. 8 c is a graph in which the detection signalof the magnetic sensor is digitalized.

The magnet 3 is annular; however, the magnet is shown linearly in thefigure for easy understanding. The magnetic sensor 4 is the same as thatshown in FIG. 4 a.

As shown in FIG. 8 a, the magnet 3 has the non-magnetization area at theboundary of the N-pole and the S-pole, so that the magnetic force linesupwardly penetrating each N-pole of the magnet 3 diverge right and leftafter rising higher above the surface of the magnet 3 compared with thecase of FIG. 4 a. The magnetic force lines downwardly penetrating eachS-pole are in the same manner.

When the magnet 3 with such a magnetic field moves relative to themagnetic sensor 4, the magnetic sensor 4 outputs a detection signal asshown in the graph G1 of FIG. 8 b. The graph G1 is different from thegraph in FIG. 4 b in that the dip at the center of the peakcorresponding to the N-pole in the graph of FIG. 4 b is not shown in thegraph of FIG. 8 b. This is an advantageous effect of providing thenon-magnetization area and the above-mentioned problems do not ariseeven if the magnetic encoder is used under a high temperature conditionfor a long time. The magnetic force lines go up high without spreadingwidely, so that the magnetic sensor 4 is able to be provided apart fromthe magnet 3. Therefore, it is advantageous for the magnetic encoder toprevent damages caused by biting of foreign matters between the magneticsensor 4 and the magnet 3.

This preferable embodiment is able to provide a magnet capable ofgenerating a desired wave-shape as the detection signal of the magneticsensor.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the magnetic member passes throughthe gap of the magnetization yoke in the form of the letter “C”(referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5). Such an idea of magnetizing themagnetic member based on the magnetization pattern informationspecifying arrangement of desired magnetization areas is applicable toan magnetization apparatus in which the shape of the magnetization yokeand the positional relation of the magnetization yoke with the magneticmember are different. One example is explained hereinafter.

FIG. 9 a is a partial side view of the magnetization apparatus in whichboth end faces of the magnetized yoke are provided on the surface sideof the magnetic member, and FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of the endfaces of the magnetization yoke of the magnetization apparatus. Theelements other than the shape of the magnetization yoke are the same asthose shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The magnetization apparatus 1 is ableto magnetize the magnetic member 2 based on the magnetization patterninformation specifying the arrangement of desired magnetization areas.

The magnetic member 2 may be formed by fixing the hard magnetic ring 2 bto the tubular core member 2 a made of soft magnetic metal. Namely, themagnetic member 2 is a dual structure of the hard magnetic body and thesoft magnetic body. In such a case, the soft magnetic metal of the coremember 2 a desirably has high magnetic permeability. Thus, the tubularcore member 2 a effectively fulfills the function of the passage of themagnetic field and prevents extra magnetization other than the objectivemagnetization area.

In the magnetization yoke 11, the end face 11 a facing the magnetic ring2 b can be formed in such a manner that the side along the movingdirection of the magnetic body 2 is short. The end face 11 b facing thecore member 2 can be formed square with four sides longer than thelonger side of the end face 11 a.

The magnetic member to be magnetized by the magnetization apparatus ofthe embodiment of the present invention is not limited to be annular andcan be oblong. When the magnetic body 2 is oblong, the magnetizationapparatus is provided with a linear actuator capable of linearly movingthe magnetic member 2 and the magnetization is processed while linearlymoving the magnetic body through the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11.Such a magnetization apparatus is able to produce a magnet of a linearencoder. For magnetization of the oblong magnetic member 2, positionalinformation is generated based on the pulse of moving speed of themagnetic member 2 and the pulse of the original signal outputted fromthe encoder incorporated in the linear actuator, and magnetizationprocess is executed based on the positional information. The positionalinformation can show the portion of the magnetic member 2 passingthrough the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11 by means of the distancefrom the leading end of the magnetic member 2.

The method for generating the positional information can be modified aslong as the portion of the magnetic member 2 passing through the gap Sof the magnetization yoke 11 is specified at the time of magnetizationprocess. For example, a focus point can be set after the magnetic member2 reaches a constant speed on the route, the sensor is provided at thefocus point, time is counted upon detecting that the magnetic member 2passes through the focus point, and then the portion of the magneticmember 2 passing through the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11 can bespecified. The positional information can be shown with the rotary angleor distance of the portion of the magnetic member 2 passing through thegap S of the magnetization yoke 11 from the standard position, thestandard position being the portion of the magnetic member 2 havingpassed through the gap S of the magnetization yoke 11 at the time ofstarting time-keeping.

The power supply part 14 is not limited to the condenser-type powersource. The power supply part 14 is only required to selectively supplypositive current or negative current to the coil 13. The power supplypart 14 can be constituted such that the power supply circuit 14 b isdirectly connected to the selection switch 14 a without providing thecondenser 14 c and the charge switch 14 d.

The plural movable pieces constituting the chuck 10 c are not limited tobe four. It can be divided into three or more than four.

REFERENCE NUMERAL

-   1 magnetization apparatus-   11 magnetization yoke-   13 coil-   14 power supply part-   15 control part-   15 c area setting part-   15 d positional information generation part-   2 magnetic member-   3 magnet-   A magnetization pattern information-   S gap

1. A magnetization apparatus for a magnet of a magnetic encoder, themagnetization apparatus being configured to alternately form a positiveand a negative magnetization areas by moving a magnetic member along aroute penetrating a gap of a magnetization yoke while alternatelygenerating positive and negative magnetic fields in the gap of themagnetization yoke, the magnetization apparatus comprising: a powersupply part configured to supply electric power to a coil wound aroundthe magnetization yoke; an area setting part configured to receivemagnetization pattern information specifying arrangement of themagnetization areas relative to the magnetic member; a positionalinformation generation part configured to output positional informationof the magnetic member moving along the route; and a control partconfigured to control the power supply part in such a manner that eachportion of the magnetic member corresponding to the magnetization areaspecified in the magnetization pattern information receivescorresponding positive or negative magnetic field based on thepositional information outputted from the positional informationgeneration part.
 2. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of amagnetic encoder as set forth in claim 1, wherein the magnetizationpattern information further specifies arrangement of a non-magnetizationarea in addition to the positive and the negative magnetization areas.3. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of a magnetic encoder as setforth in claim 2, wherein the magnetization pattern informationspecifies arrangement of the positive and the negative magnetizationareas, each including the non-magnetization area, and the magnetizationpattern information specifies ratio of the non-magnetization area ineach magnetization area.
 4. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet ofa magnetic encoder as set forth in claim 3, wherein the magnetizationpattern information specifies the lowest value for the ratio of thenon-magnetization area.
 5. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of amagnetic encoder as set forth in claim 1, wherein the control partcontrols at least one of generation time and strength of the magneticfield in each magnetization area of which arrangement is specified inthe magnetization pattern information.
 6. The magnetization apparatusfor a magnet of a magnetic encoder as set forth in claim 1, wherein thepower supply part supplies positive or negative electric current pulse,and the control part controls the number of supply times of the electriccurrent pulse per magnetization area specified in the magnetizationpattern information.
 7. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of amagnetic encoder as set forth in claim 1, wherein the magnetic member isannular and has a predetermined length in the circumferential directionand movement along the route is rotation with the central axis of themagnetic member fixed.
 8. A method for magnetizing a magnet of amagnetic encoder, a positive and a negative magnetization areas beingformed alternately by moving a magnetic member along a route penetratinga gap of a magnetization yoke while alternately generating a positiveand a negative magnetic fields in the gap of the magnetization yoke, themethod comprising the steps of: receiving in advance magnetizationpattern information specifying arrangement of the positive and negativemagnetization areas relative to the magnetic member; determining in realtime position of the magnetic member moving along the route; andgenerating a magnetic field in the gap of the magnetization yoke in sucha manner that each portion of the magnetic member corresponding to themagnetization area specified in the magnetization pattern informationreceives corresponding positive or negative magnetic field based on thepositional information outputted from the positional informationgeneration part.
 9. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of amagnetic encoder as set forth in claim 2, wherein the control partcontrols at least one of generation time and strength of the magneticfield in each magnetization area of which arrangement is specified inthe magnetization pattern information.
 10. The magnetization apparatusfor a magnet of a magnetic encoder as set forth in claim 2, wherein thepower supply part supplies positive or negative electric current pulse,and the control part controls the number of supply times of the electriccurrent pulse per magnetization area specified in the magnetizationpattern information.
 11. The magnetization apparatus for a magnet of amagnetic encoder as set forth in claim 2, wherein the magnetic member isannular and has a predetermined length in the circumferential directionand movement along the route is rotation with the central axis of themagnetic member fixed.